A mere eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or a cause of the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
